Hundreds of thousands of new businesses launch every year and it can be a rocky road. Seven out of every 10 will fold within the first two years. But there are some tips that can make the difference between success and failure.

In 2008, Andy Reitz and Anthony Rovedo had an idea to rent eco-friendly vans to traveling rock bands -- at competitive prices.

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Anthony said, "Early on, we were mad scientists in my basement. Always covered with vegetable oil, never having the right parts."

They launched Greenvans shortly after, but weren't sure how to take the business out of the start-up stage and start making money.

They turned to SCORE -- a free small business counseling service in Boston. Their advisor, Paul Woldak, helped them come up with a strategy for success. Woldak says there are two things every entrepreneur must do.

Number one: Do your research.

Woldak said, "What is the product, how does it fit, what are the demographics that might use the product or service?"

Number two: Create a business plan.

Woldak said not having a solid plan in place is one of the biggest reasons businesses fail. The Greenvan guys say their business plan is the main reason they're growing. The pair took a salary for the first time last year.